Federal Register #PHMSA20250101

DOT Final Rule: Streamlined Transport of Refrigerating Machines with Low Flammability Refrigerants

This regulatory update from the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) impacts the transportation of refrigerating machines with low flammability refrigerant gases: - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation (DOT) - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) - Standards and Rulemaking Division - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named, as this is a regulatory change, not a procurement action - Industry standards referenced: American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) - Products/Services Affected: - Refrigerating machines (e.g., refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers) containing low flammability refrigerant gases - Applies to machines containing up to 20 kg (44 lbs) of Group A1, Category 1B, or Group A2L refrigerants (per ANSI/ASHRAE and GHS classifications) - Also applies to machines containing up to 5,000 lbs of Category 1B or Group A2L refrigerants - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Incorporates ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2024 and GHS classifications - Eliminates the need for special permits for qualifying shipments - Aligns with the AIM Act's push to phase out certain HFC refrigerants - Exceptions do not apply to air or vessel transportation - No products or services are being procured; this is a regulatory framework change

Description

This final rule removes undue regulatory burdens by adopting the provisions of U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) special permit 21287 to streamline the transportation of refrigerating machines, including common household appliances like refrigerators, window-mounted air-conditioning units, and dehumidifiers, that contain small quantities of certain low flammability refrigerant gases. The rule facilitates transportation affected by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which requires manufacturers to transition away from certain hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants to less damaging alternatives. This action allows the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to better account for the more widespread use of certain refrigerants following the AIM Act requirements. The rule is effective August 19, 2026.

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